Arrest of 52-year-old for negligent arson in Trikala — fine of €1,546
A 52-year-old man was arrested in Trikala for causing a fire during hot work operations at a war memorial.
Fire from electric grinder at memorial — one arrested in Trikala
According to Google News GR — Crime (el), a 52-year-old Greek national was arrested in Trikala on an in-flagrante basis, charged with negligent arson from which common danger could have resulted.
According to the preliminary investigation findings of the Fire Service, the fire broke out during the execution of hot work operations — using an electric grinder and an electrical welding device — for the construction of railings at the war memorial in the area. The prescribed preventative fire safety measures had not been taken.
The fire spread to an adjacent area, creating a risk of spreading to neighbouring forest vegetation. Investigating officers identified the 52-year-old as responsible and arrested him in-flagrante. On the orders of the competent Prosecuting Authority, his detention was ordered so that he could be brought before the Three-Member Misdemeanours Court of Trikala.
Additionally, an administrative fine of €1,546 was imposed on him for complete failure to observe the prescribed safety measures during the execution of outdoor work.
The incident is part of a broader picture: from 1 January to 7 July 2026, a total of 537 administrative fines have been imposed, totalling €686,027.40, whilst 171 arrests have been made under in-flagrante procedure. Of these, 158 (92.40%) concern cases of negligence and 13 (7.60%) cases of deliberate conduct.
The Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes (D.A.E.E.) and the investigating services of the Fire Service remain on heightened operational alert, conducting intensive inspections. The Fire Service emphasises that the vast majority of fires are due to human negligence.
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)